Charter Yachts

posted by admin on Jul 23

Greece has always been a magical and mythical city. Full of folklores and history, it has drawn fascination around the world. It is one of earliest civilization man has known, and together with its alluring past, the new Greece has become a favourite tourist destination. The Mediterranean sunshine in this region, thousands of islands and the long and varied beaches have made Greece a popular sailing route.

Located in the North Eastern region of the Mediterranean is the fabulous Greek archipelago. The word archipelago means a cluster of large islands, traditionally used only for the Grecian islands but now is used around the world. There are about 3000 islands in this group but only 140 are populated. Each island is unique in its own way with its individual style, history, charm and topography.

The Grecian coastline has a lot of variety to offer, from pebbled coves to golden sands, rocky outcrops, steep cliffs and hidden coves. With its lagoons, lakes, rivers, fabulous cuisines, local wines and lush forests, the islands offer a lot of onshore activity as well. You can stop by on a secluded island if you are looking for privacy or dance the night away in one of the more happening islands. Greek is great for shopping addicts as well; you’ll find plenty of local crafts, souvenir places and trendy boutiques.

Just like all the other yacht charters, there are a variety of boats that one can choose from, for the Greek islands sailing experience:
·    Bareboat charters - offer an ultimate freedom and for these waters you can also choose a motor boat.
·    Cabin Charters – are bigger vessels that can carry up to 50 passengers and yet offer enough privacy because there are separate cabin rentals for each person or couple.
·    Crewed Yacht Charters - are the ultimate in luxury for those who can afford the cost. Luxurious and pretty expensive.
·    Regattas – Without being the sailing masters, you can buy your participation and experience the thrill of the being part of the races.
·    Cruise travel- a comfortable way to travel and meet new people in a cruise liner where everything is taken care of, its just like a floating hotel.
·    Flotillas- Especially recommended for the Grecian waters as they can be a bit tough to manoeuvre. Here you have your own boat but a group of boats sail together on the same route and keep track of each other. Highly recommended for people who want their privacy but do not have a very long sailing experience.

The Greek islands can be accessed throughout the year, and though the summer sailing season is popular with most people, winter sailing season has its own advantages. The weather can be a bit unpredictable but there fewer tourists, you can get good deals on the charters and the weather is pleasant and cool for onshore explorations. Most of the year the sea is quite calm and a pleasure to sail on.

There are 6 main cruising areas in Greece. Each area is unique in its own way and whichever route you choose, you’ll still end up having a great time without wondering about the other areas. Depending on your sailing experience and time on your hands, you can choose a cluster of islands that will suit your sailing requirements. The different island groups are the Saronic Islands, the Cyclades, the Dodecanese, the Ionian Islands and the Sporades Islands.
Out of all these islands the Saronic Islands are highly recommended for people who haven’t sailed in Greece before. You can start from Athens and move on to the various islands in this group. The main advantage is that these islands are very close to the coast, are sheltered and the best place to sail when the weather gets a bit rough. However if you want to explore a bit more, you can head to the Cyclades where you have a plethora of islands and you can sail for months here without ever getting bored.

Finally wherever you decide to sail in the stunning Greek islands, the warm and friendly people with their multitude of festivals, rich cuisines and cultural background will fascinate and thrill you. The mythical Greek islands will cast their charm on you so strong, that you’ll want to come back again to experience this beautiful country.

posted by admin on Jul 22

The Caribbean islands are the epitome of colour, contrasts and never ending summers. Close your eyes and visualize miles and miles of sparkling blue waters and cool trade winds blowing gently through the swaying palms on white sandy beaches. Feel the gentle breeze all over your body, as you watch the sunrise with a steaming cup of coffee in your hands. Dive into the cool azure waters to watch the colourful marine fish frolicking about or laze all day on the deck, soaking up the sun, to get that perfect summer tan.

Caribbean charter holidays are the stuff that dreams are made of. They are an amazing amalgamation of adventure and leisure. You can choose from abundance of activities and explore the multitude of islands, each unique in its own amazing way. From old forts to sleepy villages, tropical forests, stunning waterfalls, live bands, snorkelling, scuba diving, bonfires and unique restaurants, the Caribbean islands have a plethora of choices for a well rounded vacation.

From St Thomas to Trinidad the Caribbean arc is combination of various cultures that gives each island its distinct identity. However the most popular amongst the Caribbean islands, are the Virgin Islands, located in the Leeward belt.

The Virgin Islands are divided into two territories; the US Virgin Islands (USVI) and the British Virgin Islands (BVI). An amazing group of 60 thriving volcanic islands, they have a history that goes back a long way. From swashbuckling pirates to the arrival of Christopher Columbus, these islands will hurl you into back in time with their fables of ship wrecks and lost treasures.

The main islands of the USVI are St Thomas, St John and St Croix. They have been fondly nicknamed as “Rock City”, “Love City” and “Twin City. The American Virgin islands are stunningly beautiful and are famous for windmills, national parks, hiking, local artisans, secluded islands, duty free shopping and a fabulous nightlife. People from different parts of the world have settled here, and the community is interracial, warm and friendly.

St John is well known for its national park and untouched beauty. The coral reefs are well protected and its one of best places for snorkelling. St Thomas is a shopper’s paradise due to its free port status and duty free shopping. It is also is a connecting point for the Caribbean islands as most flights land and take off from here. St Croix has rolling green hills and huge windmills and has both indoor and outdoor recreational activities. It offers casinos, horse riding, golf courses, and fine dining restaurants.

The British Virgin Islands are very unlike their American counterparts as they
buzz with activity, are more in number and are more popular amongst new
sailors. Each of the islands is one of a kind and is worth a visit. Usually the yacht tours start from the biggest island Tortola, continues up to Jost Van Dyke and winds up back in Tortola.

Tortola is a hub of activity and full of frangipani. It has beautiful sunsets and is a good anchorage point. Norman island is known for its treasure chest fables and sea level caves. It is a great place to snorkel for the lost treasures. Peter Island is perfect for picnic spots and serene resorts. You can also explore the shipwreck in the Salt Island made famous by the movie “The Deep”.

Virgin Gorda is famous for its Baths that have been formed by volcanic activities due to the placement of boulders that protect the pools and is a great place for swimming. Anegada is an underwater paradise which is a known for its coral reefs and grilled giant lobsters. Marina Cay is a visual delight with its brightly painted villas and a riot of colourful flowers spread everywhere. Jost Van Dyke is great for kayaking and popular for its beach bars and entertainment.

The best way to explore the Virgin Islands in the Caribbean is via a yacht charter, whether you choose between a bare boat or a cruise, the Caribbean holidays will stay in the scar tissue of your mind forever.

posted by admin on Jul 22

For any sailing vacation, there are a few things that should be kept in mind before deciding on the yacht. The things to be taken into consideration are the wind and the weather, the charter location, the anchorages and the harbour, the distance between the shores, your chartering experience and the kind of holiday you want. When deciding on the yachting vacations, also keep in mind, the fellow passengers, their preferences and interests.

Each location will have a choice of yacht types, and many companies will vie for your attention. Take the help of a charter consultant and discuss your budget, experience, crew type and the type of holiday you have in mind. You have an abundance of choice from sailing yachts to motor yachts, luxury yachts, crewed, skippered, catamarans and bare boats. Choose wisely and enjoy the perfect holiday you’ve always dreamt of.

Though there are many sailing locations around the world offering chic restaurants, beautiful harbours, sunsets, adventures, secluded beaches, but the Caribbean waters are hard to beat due the smooth sailing, the calm waters, warm summers and variety of scenery that it offers. Popular Yacht races like the Antigua Super Yacht cup and the St Bart’s Bucket Regatta are also held in these waters. Caribbean sailing is considered to be “the king” amongst all the sailing locations around the world. The ocean that surrounds the island is full of ancient and marine treasures waiting to be explored and the islands vary from high mountainous regions to stunning flat beaches.

There are three types of locations within the Caribbean islands, the Virgin islands, the Leeward group of islands and the Windward Islands. Each cluster has its own uniqueness and though the British Virgin Islands are most popular, the Leeward and the Windward islands have a charm of their own. The islands are highly developed and the best part about these charters is that you are never too far away from land.

The Leeward islands offer one of the best sailing areas in the Caribbean, when it comes to Super yachts and luxury motor yachts, as there are longer distances between the islands in the open sea conditions. Know as the lesser Antilles, this is a yachtsman’s paradise. These islands are a part of the East Caribbean chain, starting with St Kitts, Nevis, St Martin and St Bart in the North, Antigua in the middle, and Montserrat and Guadeloupe in the Southern region.

Leeward Islands like the other Caribbean destinations are a stimulating blend of cultures and activities. Antigua, with its distinct British influence, is known for its night life and parties; it has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year, and is popular hotspot for most sailors around the world. St Martin is renowned for its resorts, duty free shopping and choice of cuisines. Barbuda on the other hand is preferred by people looking for seclusion as it is a relatively unexplored and quiet.

St Barts is known as the French Riviera of the Caribbean. It is for the in and the happening crowd of actors, singers and sport stars. With its distinctive French influence, St Barts offers the best French wines and cuisines that money can buy. The ambiance is idyllic and beautiful.
St Kitts and Nevis are the best kept secrets of the Caribbean islands. The surreal atmosphere will enchant anyone with its foliage and brilliant flowers. Soak in the fresh air and the untainted natural beauty. The tropical forests and the cloud covered peaks add to the tranquillity of the place.

Anguilla is another island on the Leeward belt, which is famous for its spectacular white beaches and crystal clear waters. It is a great place for snorkelling and diving due to the excellent reef system that abounds here. The landscape is made up of corals, and the white sands enhance the natural beauty of this island.

Whether you’re on a honeymoon, a family reunion, or just taking a break from your regular routine, the amazing Leeward islands will not disappoint anybody. Tailored to suit your needs, the Yacht charters in the Caribbean will ensure that you have a perfect picture postcard holiday.